The strength of a school increase and decreases every alternate year. ...
Solution:
Let's assume the initial strength of the school in 1996 to be x.
Year 1996:
The strength of the school in 1996 is x.
Year 1997:
The strength of the school increases by 10%, so the new strength becomes x + 0.1x = 1.1x.
Year 1998:
The strength of the school decreases by 10%, so the new strength becomes 1.1x - 0.1(1.1x) = 1.1x - 0.11x = 0.99x.
Year 1999:
The strength of the school increases by 10% again, so the new strength becomes 0.99x + 0.1(0.99x) = 0.99x + 0.099x = 1.089x.
Year 2000:
The strength of the school decreases by 10%, so the new strength becomes 1.089x - 0.1(1.089x) = 1.089x - 0.1089x = 0.9801x.
Year 2001:
The strength of the school again increases by 10%, so the new strength becomes 0.9801x + 0.1(0.9801x) = 0.9801x + 0.09801x = 1.07811x.
Therefore, the strength of the school in 2001 is approximately 1.07811x.
Now, let's compare the strengths of the school in 2001 and 1996.
The percentage increase in strength from 1996 to 2001 is given by:
((1.07811x - x)/x) * 100 = 0.07811x/x * 100 = 7.811%
Since the percentage increase is approximately 7.811%, the closest option is option A) Increase approximately by 8%.
Hence, the correct answer is option A) Increase approximately by 8%.